Thursday, March 31, 2005

Each week I highlight crazy letters to the editors of Newsday and amNew York. I finally found one that inspired me to do a little research and write back with the facts. Below is the letter I am referring to and below that is the response I sent back to the editors of am New York.

Here is the letter I wrote the editors:

In response to the letter Wrong Again [AM NY 3/31], the author clearly does not let the facts get in the way of them bashing our president and his every action. What they were referring to was the announcement that the United States will provide $3.2 million in aid to the military of Guatemala. First, the money will be used for non-lethal equipment and maintenance. Second and most important, the funds are to help the Latin American country combat the illegal narcotics trade, surely the author would not oppose fewer drugs coming into the country, even if it came under President Bush's watch.

Furthermore, what Ms. Patrick also leaves out is that through USAid, since 2002 we have sent $149 million in aid to help the poor and starving kids of Guatemala and are expected to spend $38 million in 2005.In summary, the $3.2 million we are sending to help battle the drug runners, using non-lethal equipment is a drop in the bucket compared to the $38 million this country is sending the small country. Ms. Patrick should retract her claws, swallow her bile and realize that the small investment is helping keep drugs off our streets.